Most people are jealous of people who are dual citizens of two countries. This means that they can travel between the two countries without any hassle. In fact, we take dual citizenship as a point of pride, in which you can enjoy the dual benefits in two countries. However, everything has two sides. While you see the benefits of being a citizen of two countries, you must be aware of some potential disadvantages. No matter how you get dual nationality, it will be a long and hard process. If you want to apply for dual citizenship, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship. After reading, you may have the answer to having dual citizenship.
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship means you can legally hold citizenship in two different countries at the same time. It states that you recognize a bilateral agreement, enjoying the rights and obligations of both citizens in both countries, such as the ability to live, study, work, vote, pay taxes, and perform military duty as a resident in either country.
The advantages of dual citizenship
Under the Act, dual citizens can enjoy greater mobility, broader business opportunities and advanced health care systems. Here you can see some of the advantages of dual citizenship listed below:
Wider Travel opportunities
Unlike foreigners, dual citizens don’t need a visa or permit to visit their dual citizenship countries and they can stay for as long as they want. In addition, dual citizens can benefit greatly from the second passport, as they can travel to more desired countries with visa-free or arrival visas, which allows them to clear customs faster than others. For example, a dual U.S. and Grenada citizen can enter Japan and Canada without a visa. And when you have a British and Italian passport, you can travel to 190 countries or territories, because the Italian passport is considered to be a very valuable passport worldwide, ranked 2nd in the Henley Passport Index in 2023. Dual citizens can take advantage of dual passports when traveling internationally.
More higher education options
For children with dual citizenship, one of the greatest advantages is that they can obtain advanced and higher education options for different universities and special learning programs. In addition, you can immerse yourself in the culture of both countries, such as learning about the history and two languages of both countries and experiencing a different way of life. In some cases, you need to pay more tuition when studying in a foreign country as a foreigner. However, dual citizens can study at local universities with lower or no tuition fees or in any EU state.
Diverse business options
If you have dual citizenship, you can choose a more favorable working environment for starting a business and investing, with a stable economy, a humane working environment, a reasonable taxation system and government support for new businesses. In addition, you don’t need to be asked to obtain a work permit through a long and laborious process like foreign companies. For example, if you are a dual U.S. and New Zealand citizen, you can travel freely and create your cross-country business.
Civil political rights
Dual citizens have a variety of political rights and protections that both countries offer regardless of the passport they hold. They can vote in local elections and participate in civil and political life without conditions. In addition, they have the freedom to own property and benefit from social benefits.
Increasing healthcare options
If you are a dual citizen, congratulations, you can enjoy the benefits and privileges of the most advanced healthcare system between the two countries. Because there is no medical treatment or specialized medicine available in your home country, you can fly to your other dual-citizenship country to receive special treatment. For example, in the United States, it is expensive for citizens to pay for medical treatment. If you have a Malta passport or an Ireland passport, you can take advantage of their free healthcare system without paying for high medicine fees in the USA.
Decrease taxes
Usually, dual citizens can get a possible option to reduce their tax payments. So you can choose a country with a lower tax based on the income tax laws of different countries. Some countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, reduce the tax burden on their citizens. The UAE and Vanuatu do not impose income taxes and inheritance taxes when dual citizens earn money overseas. After comparison, dual citizens can choose a lower income tax or exempt tax country as a tax resident.
Disadvantages of dual citizenship
While there are many attractive advantages to being a dual citizen, there are also some disadvantages that prevent people from having dual citizenship. They may not apply to everyone, but you also need to consider them before you become a dual citizen.
Military obligation
In most countries, if you are a dual citizen, you need to consider compulsory military service when you reach the age of maturity. If you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is fighting against the United States, you may lose your U.S. passport. Therefore, it is difficult for dual citizens to complete military obligations in another country. It also depends on the dual citizenship laws between the two countries.
Double tax burden
If you are a dual citizen, you may face the problem of double the tax burden, depending on the country and its foreign tax law. For example, if you are a dual citizen of the United States and another country, you will be subject to income taxes earned anywhere in the United States. This means that you need to pay double taxation on your income, in the U.S. and other countries, if you live outside the U.S. Without a double income tax treaty, you will be charged a lot, which increases the life burden because of dual citizenship. In addition, these complex tax laws can change every year. It is important for you to know the tax rules between the two countries.
Barriers to some career paths
Although there are many employment opportunities in dual countries, dual citizens are allergic to specific positions and jobs in government. So dual-nationals will not become judges, ministers, deputies, or other military leaders in the United States, and any positions on important national secrets will never fall on you. Even some people with dual citizenship will not be allowed to participate in any political activities in both countries.
Complicated immigration process
If you do not automatically obtain dual citizenship, such as a foreign child born in the United States, you need to take a long and complicated process to enter another country. And the process can be so expensive. In addition, if you want to move one of the two countries’ citizenship, it can be complex for dual citizens to complete the immigration process. There are different strict requirements for dual nationals entering or leaving the country of origin, which is why it prevents some people from obtaining dual citizenship.
Identity problem
If you are a dual national, it is difficult to know which country belongs to you and you will face cultural identity problems. If a person cannot successfully challenge it when these countries have contrasting cultures, they will feel homeless in the world.
How to get dual citizenship
There are many countries in the world that allow you to have dual citizenship, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and so on. For example, under U.S. law, there are some different ways for you to become a dual citizen in the United States.
By birth or descent
Under U.S. rules, a child born in the U.S. automatically receives U.S. citizenship, while citizenship from other countries can only be obtained if at least one of their parents holds a passport from another country. It is called birthright, based on the place of birth or blood relatives.
By naturalization
This is the most difficult way to become a citizen of another country. Usually, it requires applicants to fulfill certain requirements, such as living in the country for a long time, mastering language proficiency, and passing tests on the country’s history and culture. For example, to obtain Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident of Canada, have lived in Canada for three of the past five years, and provide the required filed taxes. Additionally, you must pass a test to demonstrate an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities in Canada. Of course, you must demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
By marriage
Another way to obtain dual citizenship is through marriage. This is an exception to typical naturalization. You don’t need to worry about length of life, language, or taxes. U.S. citizens can obtain dual citizenship if they marry a citizen of another country.
By investment
Citizenship by investment is a legal and easy way for foreigners to get dual citizenship in other countries, such as Turkey, Dominica, Grenada, and others. This can help countries develop economies, real estate and business. Although there are some different requirements for obtaining dual citizenship in different countries, applicants must meet the common specifications to participate in the program.
- An applicant must be over 18 years of age.
- An applicant has no criminal record or prosecution.
- An applicant must confirm the legality of the income.
Some countries also allow adult children, parents, and siblings to apply.
Some countries prohibit dual citizenship
However, you need to know that not all countries recognize or allow dual citizenship. For example, as the top country for freedom of movement in the Global Passport Index, Singapore does not allow its citizens to be dual nationals. Of course, there are many countries that are legally against dual citizenship, such as China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Iran, and Japan. In these countries, you will automatically lose citizenship when you acquire another citizenship of another country.
Conclusion
All in all, you can consider whether you can face the disadvantages of being a dual citizen. Whether it’s your personal choice or your parents’ choice, you should embrace the pros and cons of having dual citizenship in different countries. Trust me, you will have a unique and amazing life.
Dolores Xiao